Hamburger Helper is a popular boxed meal that provides the seasoning and starch for a quick and easy dinner. The basic Hamburger Helper recipe calls for ground beef and milk or water. However, there are many ways to enhance the flavor, nutrition, and satisfaction of this simple meal. Adding extra ingredients to Hamburger Helper can make it tastier, healthier, and more filling.
Make It More Flavorful
One of the easiest ways to improve Hamburger Helper is to add more flavor. Here are some ingredients you can stir in to amp up the taste:
- Sautéed onions and garlic – For extra savory flavor, cook some diced onion and minced garlic in olive oil until soft. Sprinkle them into the Hamburger Helper mixture.
- Fresh or frozen vegetables – Carrots, peas, corn, green beans, or broccoli florets add color and texture. Stir them in when the ground beef is almost cooked.
- Herbs and spices – Dried basil, oregano, thyme, or a dash of chili powder can complement the seasonings already in the box. Sprinkle them in toward the end of cooking.
- Worcestershire or soy sauce – A splash of these umami-rich sauces adds extra depth.
- Hot sauce – For a spicy kick, shake on a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce or chili-garlic paste.
- Parmesan cheese – The salty, savory flavor of grated Parmesan cheese makes almost any dish better. Top each serving with some grated or shredded Parmesan.
Experiment with different add-ins to give your Hamburger Helper recipe an extra punch of flavor.
Make It More Nutritious
While Hamburger Helper provides carbohydrates and some protein, it’s lacking in vegetables and other nutrients. Boost the nutrition by mixing in:
- Sautéed spinach or kale
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced mushrooms
- Shredded carrots
- Frozen peas and corn
- Canned beans, drained and rinsed
Aim for 1 to 2 cups of extra veggies to get more fiber, vitamins, and minerals into your meal. For an extra nutrition boost, use whole grain pasta or brown rice varieties of Hamburger Helper.
Make It More Satisfying
While the starch and ground beef in Hamburger Helper make it fairly filling, you can add volume and more protein with mix-ins like:
- Extra ground turkey, beef, or pork
- Diced chicken or cooked sausage
- Canned tuna or salmon
- Chopped hard-boiled egg
- Cubes of firm tofu
- Canned or cooked beans
- Shredded cheese
Aim for 1 to 2 cups of extra protein-rich ingredients to make your meal more substantial and keep you full. The extra meat or plant-based proteins will also help you meet your daily protein needs.
Creative Ideas for Mix-Ins
Now that we’ve covered some basic ways to make Hamburger Helper tastier, healthier, and more filling, here are some specific recipe ideas to spark your imagination:
Taco Twists
Jazz up Taco Hamburger Helper by stirring in:
– Diced tomatoes with green chiles
– Chopped cilantro
– Shredded Mexican cheese blend
– Sautéed onions and bell peppers
– Seasoned ground turkey instead of beef
Garnish with sour cream, guacamole, and tortilla chips for a tasty Mexican-inspired meal.
Cheesy Chicken Alfredo
Make Cheesy Alfredo Hamburger Helper extra creamy and rich by adding:
– Diced grilled chicken
– Sautéed spinach
– Sliced mushrooms
– Extra shredded Parmesan cheese
Loaded Baked Potato
For a heartier loaded baked potato vibe, mix into Cheesy Potatoes Hamburger Helper:
– Diced ham or bacon
– Shredded cheddar cheese
– Sour cream
– Chopped green onions
– Steamed broccoli florets
Beef Stroganoff
Take Beef Stroganoff Hamburger Helper up a notch with:
– Sautéed onions and sliced mushrooms
– Peas and carrots
– Strips of flank steak instead of ground beef
– A dollop of sour cream
– Chopped parsley
Broccoli Cheddar Rice
Make Cheesy Rice & Broccoli Hamburger Helper more substantial by mixing in:
– Cooked chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
– Extra frozen broccoli florets
– Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– Dash of hot sauce
BBQ Chicken & Rice
Whip up flavorful BBQ chicken by adding to Cheeseburger Mac Hamburger Helper:
– Shredded rotisserie chicken
– Frozen corn and peas
– Diced bell pepper
– Chili powder and other BBQ seasonings
– A splash of BBQ sauce
Minestrone Pasta
For an Italian-style minestrone soup, include in Beef Pasta Hamburger Helper:
– Diced zucchini
– Canned white beans, drained and rinsed
– Frozen spinach
– Shredded Parmesan cheese
– Italian seasoning
Conclusion
Hamburger Helper is an easy way to pull together a quick meal, but it can get boring eating the same recipes over and over. Spice up your Hamburger Helper by getting creative with flavorful ingredients like herbs, spices, vegetables, proteins, and sauces. The ideas are endless for how to customize your Hamburger Helper to suit your taste and dietary needs. With a few simple add-ins, you can take boxed Hamburger Helper from basic to spectacular.